How to Decorate a Foyer Table With a Mirror & Lamps

Allow for door swing clearance and an electrical source for the lamps when planning the location of your foyer table. Use a tape measure to find the center point of the wall or section of wall and measure the space to determine the maximum and minimum size options of your foyer table. A good height range is between 29 to 32 inches, and the depth from the wall should average between 12 and 24 inches, depending on clearance. If your foyer is large enough to accommodate a bombe or accent chest with drawers, one of these will add extra storage space.

Select a mirror that fits inside the total width of your table and is tall enough to reflect people of average height. Rectangular, round, arched and oval-shaped mirrors can all be considered in a foyer. Accents such as gold or hand-painted finishes on mirror frames can add character to the group. Unframed beveled-edge mirrors add understated elegance.

Place lamps in your foyer that are taller than standard table lamps and have compact shades. These are often called buffet or foyer table lamps. Experiment with different base finishes and lampshades to achieve a variety of looks. Using patterned, colored or dark shades will add a dramatic flair to the foyer. Place the two buffet lamps on either end of the table top. Low-wattage bulbs are often used in foyer lamps to provide soft, ambient light throughout the evening. Depending on the width of the mirror, you may want to place the lamps directly in front to reflect their light.